Eclipse is a new acquaintance for me from Stockholm, Sweden. Eclipse was founded in 1999 by singer Erik Mårtensson. Their first line-up consisted of Erik (lead vocals, guitar and bass), Anders (keyboard and drums) and Magnus (guitar). The band got their first record deal after only one demo and they released the debut “THE TRUTH AND LITTLE MORE” in 2001.

When Eclipse were about to start work on their second album, Anders left the band and along came two new members. Magnus on drums and Fredrik on bass completed the new line-up. On this follow-up the guys were so sure of how they wanted to sound that they went in the studio and produced the album themselves. On the follow up they didn’t have any keyboard player so they brought in Mats Olausson (Malmsteen, etc.) to take care of the keys. The current line-up are all experienced live/studio musicians. They have played with such acts like Europe, Yngwie Malmsteen and Talisman. Even though the guys bravely went into the studio filled with all the good intentions I think that the production sounds pretty standard, nothing more or less. They sound like any melodic hard rock band out there.

Eclipse plays very melodic hard rock with a hook of heavy metal guitar on top of the mix. There are some similarities with other Swedish acts like the newly awakened Europe and Talisman. Erik’s lead vocals feel a bit hollow and he is not a grand singer at all. Magnus on drums and Magnus on guitar feel on the other hand pretty strong throughout the album.

This album does nothing for me; it’s not remotely exciting in the least. It is standard melodic hard rock and nothing more. There are a lot of bands that do this much better.